As is common with most medical treatments, there are situations in which Hydrocortisone 1% cream should be used cautiously or not at all. If you have a skin infection (such as impetigo, herpes simplex, or a fungal infection) and if you have reacted to other steroid preparations before, Hydrocortisone 1% is not recommended. It’s advised you don’t use this cream on the face or around the anal or genital areas unless told to do so by your doctor. You shouldn’t use this treatment if you have an allergy to any of the active or inactive ingredients.

Lots of unsubstantiated alternative eczema therapies are promoted in the press. Be wary of these claims. Miraculous natural cures for eczema often contain crushed cortisone tablets. Evening Primrose oil (or gamolenic acid), flaxseed & omega 3 oils offer no real additional benefit to eczema. Chinese herbal tea extracts have been evaluated but taste unpleasant and may even cause liver toxicity. Recalcitrant eczema on the face may respond to non-steroidal immune-modulator preparations such as Tacrolimus (Protopic) and Pimecrolimus (Elidel) however skin redness may be a temporary side effect. Ultra-violet light therapy treatment has been helpful so get out into the sunshine! There is growing proof that lactobacillus GG probiotics (Reuterina) supplemented in pregnancy, breastfeeding and early in life may reduce eczema in babies by altering their gut immune reactivity.